Religious Studies

Jr High

Catholic Social Teaching

Course Goal:Humans are made in the image and likeness of the Trinitarian God, which means first and foremost that we are made for communion with Him and with others.This is the basis for the Church’s social teaching:man is made as a social being.This course will explore the many facets and repercussions of this fact as the Church remains a beacon which protects and points toward the dignity of this same human person.By the end of the semester the student will have explored the foundations and principles of CST and have applied them to various social concerns such as family, human rights, poverty, work, government and creation.

Course Outline:

Chapter 1:Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

Chapter 2:The Human Person

Chapter 3:Marriage & Family

Chapter 4:Political & Economic Life

Chapter 5:Christian Stewardship

Faith and Reason

Course Goal:St. Peter said:“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope but do it with gentleness and reverence.”This course, as a culmination of the high school curriculum, focuses on guiding students in the necessary techniques, virtues, and explanations necessary for apologetics today.There will be a focus on the proper logical and philosophical approach to faith through which the student’s own faith will hopefully be solidified and he/she will have the necessary foundation to accept St. Peter’s great challenge in a clear, reasonable, and charitable way.